The proposed bill would amend Title 11 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding a new chapter that allows individuals, businesses, or organizations in counties with populations between 200,000 and 210,000 to form a broadband service district authority. This authority would be responsible for expanding and maintaining broadband infrastructure, securing funding, and establishing performance guidelines. The bill includes definitions for key terms such as "authority," "board," "broadband service," "district," and "infrastructure." It also specifies that the authority cannot deploy last-mile residential broadband and cannot levy new taxes, although it can collect and remit applicable taxes.
Furthermore, the bill outlines the formation process for the authority, requiring petitioners to submit an application to the county board of supervisors, which must hold a public hearing. The governing board of the authority will consist of five to seven members representing stakeholders from the district, responsible for adopting bylaws, managing contracts, and preparing annual reports on financial activities and broadband deployment progress. Overall, the bill aims to enhance broadband access in specific counties while ensuring a structured governance framework and community involvement in decision-making.